Chukwueze’s last-ditch effort keeps AC Milan in Europe

Milan needed a win to stay in Europe, and Chukwueze delivered it

Super Eagles forward Samuel Chukwueze got off the bench to score the winner for AC Milan in their 2-1 victory over Newcastle at St James’s Park, Soccernet.ng reports.

AC Milan travelled to Saint James’s Park for their final group stage game of the this season Champions League. The Rossoneri needed a win to qualify for the round of 16, but they had to hope that the result in the other Group F game between Borussia Dortmund and PSG would go their way.

Following the return of Portugal star Rafael Leao, Chukwueze had to start from the bench, as  Christian Pulisic started at the right side of AC Milan’s attack.

The opening minutes of the encounter was drab, as both sides tried to fashion out decent chances. However, it was Joelinton’s 33rd-minute strike that put the whole home side in front in the first half.

The Magpies took their lead into the break. But in the second half, Christian pulisic pulled one back to make it 1-1 and set up the game for a frenetic finish.

Milan were desperately in search of goals, and coach Pioli then introduced Chukwueze into the game late on as AC Milan were pushing for a victory as that was the only result that could keep them in Europe this season eventually.

Pioli’s decision to introduce Chukwueze yielded fruits as the Nigerian forward turned up clutch for the former European champions, as he scored the 84th-minute winner.

Chukwueze’s goal vs Newcastle 🤩💪pic.twitter.com/RYLLFpXtRt

— MilanReports (@MilanReportscom) December 13, 2023

The former Villarreal man received a nice from Noah Okafor and curled that ball past Martin Dubravka to seal the win for the Rossoneri.

Chukwueze sealed the victory for the Partenopeans, as they ran out 2-1 winner. Unfortunately, their victory could only give them a spot in the Europa League, as they finished third behind PSG, who got a draw at Borussia Dortmund.